Old photos of former Major League star pitcher Orlando 'El Duque' Hernández during his suspension period in Cuba have surfaced on the Internet. Sports journalist Yasel Porto shared several images on his Facebook profile, describing them as the worst period of the brilliant athlete's life.
"These are rarely seen photos from the time when the Cuban pitching star Orlando 'El Duque' Hernández was unjustly banned from Cuban baseball (1996-97) and could only play in local tournaments like the one held at 'El Globo' during that time," he explained.
The photographs show El Duque training at a sports facility in the Guajay neighborhood, wearing a New York Yankees T-shirt, the team he would join a few years later after leaving Cuba for good. His dream of playing in the Major Leagues was fulfilled, despite those in his homeland who tried to sideline and exclude him from active sports.
"Fortunately, history changed from 1998 onwards, with a very different and superior reality that made him more popular and legendary thanks to his exploits in the best baseball in the world. First with the New York Yankees and then with the Chicago White Sox, winning 4 World Series rings with memorable performances," detailed Yasel Porto in his post.
El Duque Hernández was sidelined by the Cuban regime from both national and international events after his brother, fellow baseball player Liván Hernández, defected from the national team in Monterrey, Mexico, during a world championship in 1995.
Orlando left the country in a boat in 1997 from Caibarién, leaving behind the best win-loss record in Cuban baseball (126-49) before his suspension. In the United States, he won four World Series champion rings, three with the New York Yankees (1998, 1999, and 2000) and one with the Chicago White Sox (2005).
FAQs about Orlando 'El Duque' Hernández's Suspension and Career
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the suspension and career of Orlando 'El Duque' Hernández.
Why was Orlando 'El Duque' Hernández suspended in Cuba?
Orlando 'El Duque' Hernández was suspended from Cuban baseball due to his brother Liván Hernández's defection from the national team during a world championship in Monterrey, Mexico, in 1995.
How did Orlando 'El Duque' Hernández leave Cuba?
Orlando 'El Duque' Hernández left Cuba in a boat in 1997 from Caibarién, seeking to pursue his dream of playing in the Major Leagues.
How many World Series rings did Orlando 'El Duque' Hernández win?
Orlando 'El Duque' Hernández won four World Series rings: three with the New York Yankees (1998, 1999, and 2000) and one with the Chicago White Sox (2005).
Where were the photos of Orlando 'El Duque' Hernández's suspension period taken?
The photos were taken at a sports facility in the Guajay neighborhood, showing him training while wearing a New York Yankees T-shirt.